Developing and Supporting the Curriculum (DSC)

The QAA Enhancement Theme for Scotland 2011–2014

Developing & Supporting the Curriculum was the Enhancement Theme for the Scottish higher education sector during 2011–2014. Work on the Theme was managed by the Quality Assurance Agency Scotland and overseen by the Scottish Higher Education Enhancement Committee. The Theme sought to complement work already going on within institutions, as well as the work that had taken place through earlier Themes.

The 2008–2011 Theme, Graduates for the 21st Century, considered what attributes graduates should have when they complete their first degree. The 2011-2014 Theme followed on from that and considered how students arrive at this point. It focused on three broad questions:

• How is the curriculum, in its broadest sense, shaped and delivered?
• Who is it for? How is the student body changing?
• What support is required for staff?

The theme was seen as important in assisting the sector respond to the Scottish Government agenda and some of the current challenges facing higher education in Scotland (see the Government's 2011 consultation paper, Putting learners at the centre: delivering our ambitions for post-16 education). Developing and Supporting the Curriculum was committed to making the learner journey more effective for students and more efficient, with a strong focus on quality.​​